As the school year reaches the halfway point, Madill High School shines a spotlight on one of its dedicated seniorbandmembers,Kaylee Diann Richards. A talented musician with a deep passion for the arts, Richards has made significant contributions to the Madill band community during her three years at the school.
The MHS senior is the daughter of Karly Philips and the late Christopher Philips, and she said she cherishes the memories of her late grandmother, Kelly Maddox. She is supported by her grandfather, Randy McCullar, and her greatgrandparents, Jackie and Jack Householder.
She also has a strong family background, including her siblings Kyler, Koltyn, and Kashtyn, Kaylee draws inspiration from her loved ones, particularly her older brother.
A standout member of the band and jazz band, Richards has also been actively involved in Student Council (STUCO), Speech, JOM, and CPI. Her passion for music has fueled her ambitions; she plans to pursue a degree in music at ECU or UCO, with a backup plan in medicine.
Richareds said one of her most cherished memories is a humorous moment from her sophomore year during a state jazz competition at OSU.
“All the kids bought Ms. F around a dozen Root Beer Zero Sugar bottles, and she drank all 12 before we arrived back home,” she recalled.
She expressed profound gratitude for the impact her band directors, Mr. Hasty and Ms. Faulkner, have had on her life.
“Thank you for showing me the significance of being a part of something as incredible as your band,” she said. “You not only made me a better musician, but you taught me how to be a better person.Wordscannotexpress the love I have for you and the bond we created.”
Her heartfelt message continued with a tribute to her mother.
“Mom, there is nobody else who could’ve ever gotten me here today besides you,” Kaylee shared. “I’m so lucky to have you as my only caretaker. It is a gift that my mother was strong enough to overcome the loss of her husband and still continue to provide for us. I love you so much, and you are my best friend.”
Kaylee said she cherishes herfather’smemory,expressing her hope that he is proud of her.
“I know how badly you wish you could’ve been here to see me grow,” she said. “I miss you more than I can put into words.”
Among the many people who have impacted her life, Richards recognized her brother Kyler as a significant source of inspiration.
“Everything I learned, 80% I learned from him. He is the one I looked up to,” she noted.
In the realm of music, her biggest inspiration is Ms. F, her Jazz Band Director.
“She was the very first person to greet me at Madill, and our bond feels greater than just Teacher/Student,” Kaylee explained. “Ms. F never treats one kid as any less significant than another. Shehastransformedmefrom just an average student to an incredibly talented musician.” Kaylee emphasized thatherexperienceinthejazz band feels more like a family than just another extracurricular activity.